This Wednesday, Al-Ain, from the United Arab Emirates, hosted Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, in the first game of the Asian Champions League semi-final. The hosts – led by Hernán Crespo, former São Paulo coach – won 4-2 and ended the Saudi team’s streak of 34 consecutive victories.
With the result, Al-Hilal needs to win the return game by three goals to guarantee a place in the decision. A victory by two goals difference takes the duel to extra time. The return game takes place next Tuesday, at 3 pm (Brasília time), at the Kingdom Arena, in Saudi Arabia.
The end of the first (away) leg of Asian Champions League semifinal 🔚#AINvHIL ⚽️#AlHilal pic.twitter.com/EFBhYiB5wk
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 17, 2024
Al-Ain opened the scoring after just five minutes of play. After a mistake in the visitors’ ball, Rahimi received it from Nader and crossed the ball to score the first goal of the game. In the 22nd minute, after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Rahimi, who converted the charge and increased the home team’s advantage.
Still in the first half, another penalty was awarded to Al-Ain. On the charge, Rahimi made and completed his hat-trick, at 37 minutes.
At the beginning of the second half, Milinkovic-Savic crossed for Malcom to push into the back of the goal and reduce the goal for Al-Hilal, after three minutes. Soon after, VAR recommended another penalty for the home team. This time Kaku hit and scored Al-Ain’s fourth goal, in the ninth minute.
In the 32nd minute, Al-Dawsari took advantage of a loose ball inside the area after the goalkeeper’s rebound and saved Al-Hilal’s second.
Other results from the Asian Champions League
Semifinal
Ulsan (South Korea) 1 x Yokohama FM (Japan)
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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